How often should you clean?

Kitchens are the most frequently used room in a house. Not only do we cook and eat, but we also hang out there. Since how often you clean your kitchen depends how much you use it, cleaning as you go is a good idea. For example, if you wash the dishes right after cooking a meal, they won't pile up.

Same thing with countertops and stovetops. Wipe them down each time you use them. Use a mild dishwashing liquid or kitchen spray to get rid of any stickiness or residue from spills. For tougher spots, use a scrub brush or pad to get rid of stains. Last, sweep the kitchen floor, so it doesn't get dirty again while cleaning other areas of the kitchen.

Other chores can be left for weekly. These include: wiping spills from cabinet doors and appliances, wiping the dish rack and mopping the floor. When you clean, pick a starting point (like the stove) and work top to bottom, left to right so that you don't miss any spots.

Ovens or refrigerators need a quick wipe whenever you spill food to prevent more intensive clean-ups in the future. If you cook with your oven frequently, give it a thorough cleaning every two to 12 weeks. If your oven is self-cleaning, run the self-cleaning feature and wipe away any remaining ash from your oven. If it is non-self-cleaning, use a brush and oven cleaner to wash away any food remnants. Remember to keep your kitchen well-ventilated when cleaning your oven.

In your refrigerator, monitor the expiration dates of food, and throw out as needed. Wipe down the shelves with water and mild dishwashing liquid at least once a month.

Trash Can Cleaning

Since you use your trash can to get rid of most of the gross stuff you don't want in your kitchen, it's important to clean it at least once every other month. When food gets out of the trash bag or hits the surface of the can, it can create nasty mold and mildew. To clean your trash can, take it outside to hose it out, and use a kitchen disinfectant spray to kill bacteria and eliminate odors. Towel the trash can off until it is completely dry or allow it to dry in the sun.